Loveland business owners meet to support veterans

Networking group opens up membership

Members of the Veterans Business Owners Network gather recently at Mimi's Cafe in Loveland. The group talks about ways to help veterans who are in need.
(Shelley Widhalm)

At one time, members of the Veterans Business Owners Network had to be veterans and own a business, just as the name indicates.

But in December 2012, the professional business network opened up membership to veteran supporters and non-business owners, adding 10 new members since then.

"We felt we could support more veterans in need by opening it up," said Rick Fischer, president of the Veterans Business Owners Network and a Vietnam War veteran.

David Broccoli and Dennis Borelli founded the business network in fall 2011 to help homeless, low-income and other veterans through financial assistance, emotional support and recommendations and referrals through members' business acumen. They also wanted a place for veterans who are business owners to network with other veterans to expose and promote their businesses.

"We do business with each other as much as possible," said Broccoli, treasurer and a Vietnam War veteran.

The network, which started with a half-dozen members and now has 23, brainstormed ways to support veterans and came up with two separate golf tournaments last year, including one that will be an annual event commemorating 9/11. The tournaments netted $10,000.

"We need veteran supporters who can show up with fundraising ideas and expertise," Broccoli said.

The network meets at 8 a.m. every other Friday at Mimi's Café in Loveland for an hour or longer, depending on the agenda for that day. Members start with breakfast, present their individual business news, and discuss any fundraising ideas, upcoming veteran-related events and stories of veterans who may need extra help or who the group already has helped.

"It's helping others get through tough times," said Mike Harrington, vice president of the group and a veteran supporter.

"It's just a powerful group of guys out here who are doing what we can to help them. They're not getting the support they should from the government. Veterans Affairs is limited on benefits. There's not enough staff to help these vets."

The members help the veterans who are homeless find a place to live, help pay their rent if they are struggling financially and get them jobs, Broccoli said. They also donate as a group to charities that help veterans and give $20 to any veteran they see in uniform at a restaurant to help pay for their meal and to thank them for their service.

"I like to see us be able to help the small story vets who need a few dollars," Broccoli said.

Fischer likes being able to give back to the veterans for their service to the country, he said.

"I like the camaraderie of this group and the ability to help vets in need, finding jobs, getting off the street and getting their lives back together," Fischer said.

The group is open to new members and is hoping for a total membership of 50. Members are not charged dues.

The next meeting is Friday, May 17, and walk-ins are welcome to attend.